New report highlights Solent and Isle of Wight in call for role in Government's Industrial Strategy

Innovative clean-tech companies based in the Solent and the Isle of Wight are highlighted in a new report on wave and tidal energy published today, at the marine power industry’s biggest annual gathering in the UK.

The new report “Ocean Energy Race”, calls for wave and tidal power to be included in the Government’s Industrial Strategy. It highlights the latest developments in this cutting-edge sector and demonstrates the value of the marine energy industry to the UK in terms of regional economic growth - providing jobs and attracting millions of pounds in investment. The report features four “clusters” across the UK which are benefitting most from marine investment, including the Isle of Wight and the Solent, alongside the South West of England, Wales and the Scottish the Highland and Islands.

Among the companies in the spotlight is PTEC which is developing a commercial-scale tidal stream project off the Isle of Wight. Williams Shipping in Southampton, founded in 1894, now provides services to the new marine energy sector. Sustainable Marine Energy has developed innovative platforms to host tidal turbines and an award-winning subsea anchorage system using remote-controlled underwater vehicles. The role of researchers at the Universities of Southampton and Portsmouth is also highlighted.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Hugh McNeal said: “The UK is the global leader in wave and tidal energy. This is a cutting-edge industry creating much-needed jobs in the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It will grow worldwide with opportunities to export our technology across the globe – from the US to Taiwan, and right across Europe to South East Asia.

“But other countries, such as China and Canada, are eyeing our innovative industry enviously, seeking to capitalise on the hard-won progress already made in British waters. We don’t want our groundwork to lead to their success. The UK must win the international Ocean Energy Race so that this country can reap the economic benefits of marine energy.

It’s vital that the Government recognises that wave and tidal power is transforming coastal communities around the UK, including those in the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Marine energy can become a key modern industrial sector. To make this happen, we’re urging Ministers to include wave and tidal power in their Industrial Strategy. We can deliver fresh energy infrastructure on a massive scale, building on Britain’s proud maritime tradition and creating a new clean-tech energy sector”.

More details about RenewableUK’s 13th annual Wave & Tidal Energy Conference & Exhibition at the QEII Centre in Westminster on Thursday 23rd February (9-5pm) can be found here.

“Ocean Energy Race - The UK’s inside track” will be formally launched at the conference and available here

RenewableUK is the trade and professional body for the wind, wave and tidal energy industries. Formed in 1978, and with more than 400 corporate members, RenewableUK is the country’s leading renewable energy trade association.